Cheshire West’s Rural Regeneration Board is looking ahead to its second year with a new chairman.

The Rev Canon David Felix, vicar of All Saints Church in Daresbury and member of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance, has been on the board since its inception and takes the helm following the departure of Professor Chris Proudman.

Tasked with supporting local businesses and delivering growth within the area, the board is one of four private sector-led regeneration boards working within West Cheshire.

Executive member for growth and innovation, Cllr Herbert Manley, said: “The Rural Regeneration Board has been in existence for 12 months now and during that time has been very focussed on understanding rural Cheshire and setting its priorities.

“I would like to welcome David to the position of chair – he is taking on the challenging role of delivering those priorities and we look forward to developing a strong working relationship going forward.”

David Felix said: “The Rural Regeneration Board is committed to supporting the economy in rural areas by working closely with local businesses and supporting them wherever we can."

“I am delighted to take up this post at such a poignant time – we have set three priorities to support growth over the next 18 months including rural housing, employment and skills and the natural and historic environment and will soon be publishing a document that will summarise our approach to making these priorities become reality.”

Board member, Cllr Louise Gittins, said: “I welcome the appointment of David Felix as the new chair, he has already played a key role as a member of the board, working with myself looking at housing in the rural area.

“The board needs to push forward now to develop a clear strategy for the area and I look forward to working with David.”

The ‘rural’ area covered by the board includes Neston, Frodsham, Helsby Tarporley, Malpas among others.